A GOVERNMENT group aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour is coming to the town on Monday.

The Respect Task Force will visit the University of Bath in Swindon's Oakfield campus to improve partnerships in the war against the yob culture.

South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove has been campaigning for the task force to visit Swindon since meeting concerned Parks and Walcot residents earlier this year.

She said: "I said I would take action on crime and anti-social behaviour in Swindon and by bringing the Respect Task Force here, and demanding all agencies work better together, I hope we can make real progress.

"This will help local communities to start the fightback against yobs.

"The police are taking the brunt of the anger in the community but there is a lack of partnerships working with the other agencies, not from a lack of desire from the agencies, but a lack of political drive and willingness to put anti-social behaviour and the fear in the community to the top of the agenda.

"I believe there is a need for intervention by the Respect team to empower the local community and to restore the lives of my constituents. This situation is urgent and I am inviting the Respect team to Swindon to see for themselves the problems and help us find solutions."

The task force will hold a day of training presentations, workshops and practical advice. Swindon Council leader Rod Bluh, said: "This is an issue where individuals and communities must act.

"It is too important to be left to government and politicians alone.

"We must all take responsibility for our behaviour first, and then have the courage, and society's support, to challenge others to show the respect every citizen deserves."

Representatives from the partnership, which includes Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Swindon Primary Care Trust and the Wiltshire branch of the National Probation Service, will be attending the event.

Frontline staff, such as police officers and neighbourhood wardens, will also be involved in the advice sessions.

Cheri Wright, the council's anti-social behaviour coordinator said: "The use of injunctions relating to housing legislation will be discussed.

"Also this will be talked through with the practitioners so they know how they can use these powers effectively and efficiently in Swindon."

The Respect Task Force was set up to coincide with the Government's Respect Agenda.

The campaign was launched in Swindon by Tony Blair in January last year.

Mr Blair famously cleared graffiti off a red wall in the Toothill Village Centre before talking to residents at the Pinehurst People's Centre about the Government's plans to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The Respect Action Day will start at 9.30am on Monday.